House Ag Committee gives due pass to raw‑milk products bill after farm and consumer testimony

The House Agriculture Committee voted to recommend passage of House Bill 1131, a bill addressing sale and distribution of raw milk products, after testimony from producers and consumers and discussion about liability, labeling, and public health.

Why it matters: HB1131 would expand how raw milk products are handled under state law, and committee members debated consumer choice versus public‑health risk and potential state liability if outbreaks occur. Several lawmakers and witnesses urged caution while also noting producer diligence and low reported incidence since earlier legislation.

Committee discussion and testimony: Supporters urged the committee to allow industry stakeholders to form a working group to draft a fuller regulatory framework for the 2027 session rather than relying on a formal legislative study. Representative Holly said producers already take testing and safety steps; she noted that since the Legislature’s earlier raw‑milk law was enacted the prior session, "we have had 0 instances of any outbreaks or anything." Opponents and some members raised legal and liability concerns, asking whether the state or producers could face lawsuits if consumers got sick despite signed waivers.

Representative Olson moved for a due‑pass recommendation; the motion carried after a roll call.

Ending: The committee approved a due‑pass recommendation for HB1131 and named a carrier for the bill. Lawmakers said they expected producers to continue work on labeling and safety details through an industry working group that would include Agriculture Department and committee representation.